"The G8 is not a decision-making body, but we can pave the way for some things," said Merkel in Berlin. She reported that she had already built a very sound cooperative relationship with her guest from New York, and was delighted to have this opportunity to discuss matters in-depth with him, so shortly before the G8 Summit.
The Chancellor underlined the special role played by the UN Secretary-General in resolving international problems. "We have the highest respect and esteem for the role of the Secretary-General," Merkel stressed.
UN Secretary-General counting on the success of the G8 Summit
This is the Ban Ki-moon's second visit to Germany since taking office five months ago. He will also be attending several meetings of heads of state and government in Heiligendamm. "This is a reflection of how much we appreciate the contribution made by Germany to supporting the work of the United Nations," said the Secretary-General.
He thanked the Chancellor for her commitment to international topics in her capacity as acting President of the EU Council and of the G8, and wished the German Presidency all the best for the coming G8 Summit. "I am confident that we, as a global community, will see the G8 Summit as a major success," he declared.
In the evening the Secretary-General of the United Nations attended a meeting of the Middle East Quartet. The situation on the ground is extremely delicate, warned Ban Ki-moon. The meeting looked at how progress could be made with the peace process in the region. Ban encouraged the parties to the conflict to realise the vision of the two-state solution.
